Equine Coronavirus (ECoV)

Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) is an important cause of enteric disease in adult horses. Reported worldwide with increasing incidence, it is a single-stranded RNA virus in the beta coronavirus family. The role of ECoV as a cause of diarrhea in foals is still unclear as the virus can be detected in both healthy and sick foals.

Although unknown, prevalence is likely low. Clinical disease is generally mild, but mortality from necrotizing enteritis and hyperammonemic encephalopathy has been reported. Miniature horses appear to be at higher risk of complications from ECoV infection. ECoV cases occur year-round, with a large proportion diagnosed during the winter months.